Is reality real, or are we actually just living in a simulation? How did Galileo influence modern thinking about reality? And are there any drug experiences that you simply can't come back from? 

Here today to discuss this with me is renowned philosopher, famous TED talk speaker, cognitive scientist, and deep thinker Donald Hoffman! 

Donald is a professor in the Department of Cognitive Science at the University of California, Irvine, and the author of the provocative book The Case Against Reality. So, there is really no one better out there to discuss reality with!

Tune in and join us as Donald presents his case against reality. 

Key Takeaways: 

Intro (00:00)

Judging a book by its cover: The Case Against Reality (01:15)

How Galileo influenced modern thinking about reality (06:41)

Can biology predict how consciousness emerges? (18:30)

What is panpsychism? (22:50)

Is reality just a linguistic construction? (31:53)

How are humans supposed to interact with the “real” world? (42:53)

Is consciousness a unique filter into reality? (46:27)

Can computers be conscious? (49:44)

Are there drug experiences that you can't come back from? (55:45)

Outro (1:02:33)


—

Additional resources: 

? Thanks, HelloFresh! Go to HelloFresh.com/50impossible and use code 50impossible for 50% off plus 15% off the next 2 months.

? With a MasterClass annual membership, you can take one-on-one classes from the world’s best for $10 a month with your annual membership, get unlimited access to every class — and even better, right now, as an Into The Impossible listener, you can get 15% off when you go to MASTERCLASS.com/impossible.

?‍? Visit LinkedIn.com/IMPOSSIBLE to post your job for free!

? Join me and ⁦Lawrence Krauss for an Onstage Dialogue ⁦at the San Diego Air & Space Museum Tuesday, Oct 17, 2023 at 7:00 PM: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/live-onstage-dialogue-brian-keating-lawrence-m-krauss-tickets-699430514497

? The Case Against Reality by Donald Hoffman: https://a.co/d/dy3tfCc 

➡️ Follow me on your fav platforms:
✖️ Twitter: https://twitter.com/DrBrianKeating 
? YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/DrBrianKeating?sub_confirmation=1 
? Join my mailing list: https://briankeating.com/mailing_list 
✍️ Check out my blog: https://briankeating.com/blog.php 
?️ Follow my podcast: https://briankeating.com/podcast 

—

Into the Impossible with Brian Keating is a podcast dedicated to all those who want to explore the universe within and beyond the known.

Make sure to follow so you never miss an episode!
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices